Graphene Nanostructures for Novel Spin Magnetic Device Applications
Abstract
This research project theoretically exploited the unique properties of nanoscale graphene based structures for highly functional spintronic applications at room temperature. To overcome the non-magnetic nature of intrinsic graphene, two promising phenomena were explored that can introduce desired spin magnetic functionalities with electrical control. The first approach incorporates the magnetism by forming a hybrid structure with appropriate magnetic materials. The interactions between graphene electrons and magnetic ions at the interfaces result in effective magnetic fields that can affect the characteristics of both graphene and magnetic layers. The second approach introduces the magnetic effects by utilizing non-zero magnetic moments induced at the edge states, defects, vacancies, etc. Both of these effects may be readily amenable for electrical control through the dependence on graphene electronic properties. With the development of appropriate models, the main focus of investigation was to analyze the physical properties and basic functionalization principles, particularly as the dimension of the structure shrinks, and to examine their device potential including spin magnetic switches. As an extension of the original concepts, the research project also examined spin magnetic properties of topological insulators and their potential applications; with strong spin-orbit coupling, this emerging material system with nanoscale 2D electron states offers a new opportunity in a manner analogous to the graphene based hybrid structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 11, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA580335
Entities
People
- K. W. Kim
Organizations
- North Carolina State University